The emergence of different visions of human rights in the 1970s reflected a transformative period in American history, characterized by challenges to the structures and ideologies that upheld segregation and oppression. This era, often referred to as the Civil Rights and Black Power era, witnessed a diverse array of voices within the African American community, each advocating for distinct visions of freedom and liberation. From the nonviolent protests of Martin Luther King Jr. to the separatist stance of Malcolm X and the feminism of the Combahee River Collective, these voices brought various strategies to combat systemic racism, social inequality, and political voicelessness.
Martin Luther King Jr., a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, advocated for an integrationist approach to achieving racial equality. King's vision centered on dismantling segregation laws and fostering interracial harmony through nonviolent protest and peaceful integration into American society. His philosophy, rooted …show more content…
Malcolm X's vision emphasized black self-determination and autonomy from white society's oppressive institutions. He critiqued the nonviolent and integrationist approach favored by King, arguing that African Americans must assert their rights by any means necessary, including self-defense and armed resistance if required. Malcolm X's philosophy resonated with many African Americans who felt disillusioned with the slow progress of the Civil Rights Movement and sought more radical solutions to address racial inequality. If Malcolm X's Black Power ideology were in control of U.S. foreign policy, it might take a more assertive stance against oppression, supporting liberation movements and advocating for self-determination among marginalized communities